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Water Removal - Four Basic Steps In Water Damage Restoration

Water damage is quite unique among the many potential problems faced by homeowners, because in most cases it can be even more destructive than fire, not to mention being messier to have to clean up.  Those lucky few people unfortunate enough to experience both will testify that they would much rather deal with fire damage repair than water.  The sheer level of destructive power that water possesses should never be underestimated.

The basic goal of any water damage problem is the same; you have to remove the water and dry everything out…preferably quickly.  Whether the problem is big or small, the same basic rules always apply.  There may be additional steps involved, but all water damage restoration can be broken down into four main steps:

Extraction – the removal of all excess water from the home.  This is usually done through the use of shop-vacs or gas-powered submersible pumps.  Much of the water can be removed through this method.

Drying – the removal of all remaining residual moisture from surfaces and the surrounding air, usually done through the use of high velocity fans, air blowers, and dehumidifiers.  All surfaces must be completely dried out, cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized.

Repair – the repair, cleaning, and restoration of any item damaged by water, including furniture, electrical appliances, and other personal property.  This is the single longest part of the process.

Restoration – the small, detail oriented touches designed to return your home to its former condition.

Keep in mind that this is a process that may take days, weeks, or in the case of larger spills, even months to complete.  As a result, it is not usually a project that should be entered into by the novice or the average homeowner.

For fastest, and most efficient results, contact your local IICRC certified water damage restoration company.  They are available 24/7 to handle all of your water damage repair and restoration needs.